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Do you know why sleep apnea and acid reflux often seemingly occur together? Well, read on to learn more about this long-standing query. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that can lead to several health issues, including acid reflux. But, how are sleep apnea and acid reflux connected, and what exactly does this connection mean for someone who suffers from both conditions?

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes breathing to stop and start both repeatedly and abnormally during sleep. This can lead to loud snoring, a pause in breathing, or gasps for air while sleeping. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and mixed sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax and block the airway during sleep. Central sleep apnea is a bit different – it occurs when the brain fails to send the appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing. Mixed sleep apnea is a rare combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea. All forms of sleep apnea are characterized by an abnormal decrease in airflow, and frequent awakening as a result.

What Is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common condition that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus or otherwise rises into the throat. This can lead to symptoms such as a burning sensation in the chest (commonly known as heartburn), an acidic or sour taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing. Acid reflux is generally caused by a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES) – the ring of muscle designed to close the connection between the lower esophagus and the stomach after food has passed through. If this ring of muscle becomes weakened or damaged, it can allow stomach acid to regurgitate up into the esophagus or even into the throat. Certain factors, such as a high-fat, acidic, and spicy diet can also trigger acid reflux.

What Is the Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Acid Reflux?

While sleep apnea and acid reflux are two seemingly unrelated conditions, there has been an increasing amount of research to suggest that they could be linked. Indeed, one 2006 study published in the journal Chest found that 8 out of 10 people with sleep apnea also experienced acid reflux. Since then, several other studies have confirmed these findings and have begun to uncover potential mechanisms linking sleep apnea with acid reflux.

One possible connecting factor is that sleep apnea can lead to a decrease in lower esophageal sphincter tone. When the muscles in the back of the throat relaxsa in sleep apnea, there can also be a relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, contributing to an increased risk of acid reflux. Furthermore, people with sleep apnea often have difficulty staying asleep, as the frequent pauses during sleep can be disruptive. Poor sleep quality has been found to result in an increase in the production of stomach acid, which can also contribute to acid reflux. Finally, some studies also suggest that the changes in chest wall pressure associated with sleep apnea can contribute to regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus.

What Does This Connection Mean For People Who Suffer From Both Conditions?

Because there is an apparent link between sleep apnea and acid reflux, many physicians will recommend that people with one condition be tested for the other as well. Diagnosing one of these conditions can often lead to the diagnosis of the other, and treating one condition may improve symptoms of the other as well. As such, it is important for those with sleep apnea or acid reflux to seek medical care in order to manage their conditions effectively.
Additionally, there are several lifestyle changes that people with both sleep apnea and acid reflux can make in order to reduce their symptoms. These changes may include weight loss, avoiding foods and drinks that can trigger acid reflux, elevating the head while sleeping to reduce acid reflux, and practicing good sleep hygiene. Some people may also benefit from using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine for sleep apnea, while others may need to take medication to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.

Conclusion

Sleep apnea and acid reflux are two seemingly unrelated health conditions, but research has suggested that there may be a link between the two. People who suffer from sleep apnea may be at an increased risk of developing acid reflux due to a decrease in lower esophageal sphincter tone, poor sleep quality, and changes in chest wall pressure that can lead to regurgitation of stomach acid. As such, it is important for people with one of these conditions to seek medical care in order to effectively manage their symptoms.
Additionally, lifestyle changes and treatments that work for one condition may also be beneficial in reducing the symptoms of the other.
So, to recap: Sleep apnea and acid reflux are apparently connected and should be treated in a holistic and comprehensive manner.